More than one-third of Albany’s streets are in poor condition, the city staff says. That’s 52 miles of pavement, and there is no money in the city budget to get them fixed.
Riding a bike and approaching intersections on Albany streets, it’s reassuring to see that drivers are looking at you and can see you. Too often, though, drivers are hidden because the side windows of their cars have a dark tint.
At City Hall, Albany officials are taking another stab at finding a way to pay for maintaining and repairing streets. It will take more than a year of meetings, discussions, and public “outreach.” Wish them luck, for the chance of solving this issue is small.
What more can be said about potholes on Albany streets, or more generally about why the city says it can’t repair those streets that seem to be mostly a collection of potholes and asphalt patches. We’re about to find out.
These hot summer days once again show how useful it is to have lots of big trees along our streets. Mature trees make travel on foot or two wheels bearable and even pleasant by shielding us from the son’s searing rays.
Here’s the thing about Albany: It’s a railroad town, and cruising around town on a bike inevitably means you’re going to see trains.
Lochner Road stays closed at its south end
Now is a great time to ride your bike down Lochner Road in south Albany, as I discovered Saturday. The reason is no cars.
Tags: Albany streets, Albany subdivisions, Curry Meadows, Ellingson Road, Henshaw Farm, Lennar homes, Lochner Road, South Albany